Home > Hoyer: House Increases Openness and Transparency By Banning For-Profit Earmarks

Hoyer: House Increases Openness and Transparency By Banning For-Profit Earmarks

For Immediate Release:

March 10, 2010

Katie GrantStephanie Lundberg(202) 225 - 3130

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the House Appropriations Committee announcement that they are banning earmarks directed to for-profit entities:

“Today, House Democrats announced another step in our ongoing work to increase openness and transparency by banning corporate earmarks. From now on, the House Appropriations Committee will no longer approve earmark requests from for-profit companies. As a result, Americans can have more confidence that public money is going to the projects that are most deserving, not those that are best-connected. In addition, Congress will also require audits of many non-profit organizations receiving earmarks, in order to ensure that money is spent responsibly.

“This important step builds on Democrats’ significant series of reforms since returning to the Congressional majority. Democrats have repeatedly limited earmarks while making them more transparent to the public. Democrats have also created an independent ethics panel, banned gifts from lobbyists, and restricted privately-funded travel. By contrast, Republicans--even while controlling Congress for 12 years--never implemented action to reduce earmarks or bring transparency and accountability to the earmark process. Democrats' record as the party of fiscal responsibility is clear.”